Mechanical Technician (EP-DT-EO-2024-54-GRAE)

Job Description

Your responsibilities

In a continuous effort to push the energy frontier, CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will undergo a major upgrade, which will extend its service life and boost its performance. For that, more efficient detector systems will be needed...and we need you to take part in making it happen!

In this framework, the Experimental Physics department, and more specifically the Detector Technologies (DT) group collaborates in the development and design of the future ATLAS ITk Pixel detector. To meet the stringent mass and thermal performance requirements, this detector will make extensive use of both advanced materials and lightweight technologies. Furthermore, the adoption of a novel layout configuration and the extreme environmental conditions will give raise to a series of new engineering challenges, the answer to which will call for innovative approaches in the design and manufacture of the support structures, in the cooling methods and in the overall integration.

As a mechanical technician, you will contribute to the activities of the EP-DT group in this project. Your functions will include:

• Machining of components by conventional and computer numerical controlled machines (CNC);
• Developing tooling and participate in the construction of mechanical assemblies and test setups;
• Assembling of prototypes for the thermal and mechanical qualification, of high-precision support structures and of final detector components;
• Supporting the Composite material lab activities and laboratory testing;
• Performing metrology and quality control of parts and completed assemblies;
• Procuring components, material and tooling.

As a member of the EP-DT group, you will have access to state-of-the-art CAD, engineering tools and manufacturing facilities (e.g. mechanical workshops, rapid prototyping and composites lab), while benefiting from close supervision of experienced CERN staff. In addition, you will be in daily contact with the group's technical staff and will have frequent interactions with collaborating institutes and industrial partners.

Your profile

Skills and/or knowledge

Specific skills required for this job: 

• Comprehensive use of conventional milling machines with some basic knowledge of numerical controlled machines (CNC);
• Precision assembly of mechanical components and structures;
• Knowledge of CAD software;
• Good communication.
• Fluent in English, the ability to work in French would be an advantage.

The following skills would be considered an advantage, but are not essential:

• Previous experience working in a laboratory environment using metrology, electro-mechanical, thermal or pressure testing equipment;
• Basic knowledge of joining techniques (e.g. adhesive bonding).

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Precision mechanics and/or machining (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is a general secondary education diploma.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
• Applicants with a Bachelor, Master or PhD degree are not eligible.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 14.04.2024 at 12:00 AM (midnight) CET.

Job reference: EP-DT-EO-2024-54-GRAE

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Target start date: 01-September-2024

This position requires:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Residence in the immediate vicinity of the Organization's installations.
• A valid driving licence.

What we offer

• A monthly stipend of 4556 Swiss Francs (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.

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